Scientists edging closer to male contraceptive pill

Australian men could soon be able to buy their own version of the contraceptive pill, after Melbourne scientists made a major breakthrough.

Researchers from Monash University today revealed they have found a way to stop the release of sperm.

Dr Sab Ventura from Melbourne's Monash University spoke to 9NEWS about the medical breakthrough. (9NEWS) (9news)The male contraceptive pill could be available in pharmacies within 10 years. (9NEWS) (9news)

“The message from the brain to the muscle that moves sperm from where it's normally stored to where it needs to be ejaculated… we're interrupting that message and stopping that from occurring,” Dr Sab Ventura from the university told 9NEWS.

Previous trials on mice have proved successful, with human trials the next step.

Studies suggest there won't be any impact on long-term fertility, and while there are already plenty of options available, scientists believe the new pill is required.

There are up to 80 million unwanted pregnancies across the globe each year. (9NEWS) (9news)

“In the last couple of years we have been having about 70-80 million unwanted pregnancies per year (worldwide), so even though there are a lot of contraception methods around, there's obviously not enough to control that number,” Dr Ventura said.